Create a small emergency kit and find a preparedness buddy

Last week was Norway’s national preparedness week. It’s comforting to be a little prepared – both practically and mentally – so you can feel safer if your everyday life suddenly turns upside down. Being ready can make a big difference when something unexpected happens.

It’s smart to make sure you can manage for two to three days without power – for example, during an outage or another emergency. It’s also good to have a preparedness buddy – someone you can rely on, and who can rely on you.

Small steps can make a big difference

You don’t need a big budget or much space to be prepared.

Here are some useful items to keep at home:

  • Clean drinking water in bottles or jugs
  • Food that can be stored at room temperature, such as crispbread and canned goods
  • A flashlight, batteries, and a small power bank
  • Warm clothes, blankets, or a sleeping bag
  • Matches, candles, and some cash
  • Important phone numbers written down on paper

If you have little space, you can keep a small box under the bed, in the closet, or in a storage room — a little is better than nothing. The most important thing is to start. Begin with water and something to stay warm, like clothes, a blanket, or a sleeping bag, and add more over time.

Find your preparedness buddy

Preparedness isn’t just about equipment — it’s about people. A preparedness buddy can be a fellow student, neighbor, friend, or family member. In an unexpected situation, the mental strain can often be the hardest part, so it helps to have someone to talk to.

How you can help each other

  • Agree in advance how you can help each other if something happens.

  • Talk about who has warm clothes, first aid supplies, or food.

  • Share tips and experiences about preparedness — and look out for each other.

  • Remember to agree on a meeting place in case the mobile network goes down, so you know where to find each other.

Want to learn more?

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) offers simple advice on personal preparedness here.

Thank you for helping strengthen preparedness in Norway!